Johnny Drille was seen smiling and having a conversation with Peter and Mathew. Curious about the plan for purchasing the song, Johnny asked, "So how do you plan on going ahead with the purchase of the song?"
Mathew explained, "Don Jazzy called me yesterday night and told me to give them the premium price, so it's settled, I think."
Johnny and Peter were both surprised because even top lyricists don't always get a premium price for their work. This indicated how Don Jazzy deals. Johnny contemplated the situation and concluded that it was probably because he talked to Don Jazzy about signing the artist, and the premium price was offered to appease him. Johnny shook his head, chuckled, and said, "Well, that's settled. Now find out where they are now."
Mathew nodded and left the room to make the necessary call.
The journey to the Mavins studio was a long drive due to the Lagos traffic, but they finally arrived. When Hamza stepped out of the car, he was met with a tall, black building that looked like it had several stories. The Mavins Record label sign was in a striking gold color. Hamza stood there, admiring the building for a moment until Adekunle came over, patting him on the shoulder and saying, "Come on in, don't keep staring."
Mathew also approached them and greeted them, "Good afternoon to you all," then he asked, "Please, who is Mr. Adekunle?"
Adekunle stepped forward and replied, "That's me, and you must be Mathew?"
Mathew confirmed, "Yes, sir. I am. Pleased to meet you." He then led the way. As they entered the building, they encountered a mix of white and black surroundings. To the left was the receptionist's area with the label's logo and a welcoming woman. They proceeded to the staircase, then along a corridor, which was tastefully decorated. Hamza couldn't help but look around, and his eyes landed on a room. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a studio, and he was baffled by the setup. Everything seemed top-notch and shining, amazing to him. Mathew seemed to notice his fascination and asked, "You like what you see?"
Hamza nodded and replied, "I've never been to a studio before. Can I go in?"
Mathew responded, "Probably after the negotiations are done." They walked into an office, and inside, Hamza saw Johnny Drille sitting with another person, engaged in a conversation. Hamza couldn't help but close his eyes in disbelief and then looked again. Johnny Drille was tall, with a dark complexion, and he wore glasses, giving him a very cool look. Johnny Drille noticed Hamza's gaze, smiled and walked over, saying, "Hello, young man. How are you? It's nice to meet you."
Hamza stood there for a moment, almost frozen, before breaking into a smile and responding, "I am fine, I am a huge fan of yours."
Johnny Drille chuckled and said, "That's good to hear. You're a very talented young man, and I've enjoyed your singing. How long have you been singing?" He gestured for Hamza to take a seat.
Hamza, still slightly awestruck, replied, "Thank you, I appreciate it, especially coming from you I have been singing when I could talk."
Johnny Drille smiled and said, "Well, that's good to hear. I'd love to work with you."
With the pleasantries exchanged Mathew cleared his throat and directed the conversation toward business.
Matthew handed a contract file to Maliki, who began reading through it. As he perused the document and came across the figures, he couldn't help but feel surprised. However, he maintained his professional composure. He called Hamza and Adekunle over to go through the contract with them. The shock was evident in their eyes as they reviewed the contract. Adekunle, in disbelief, turned to Maliki and asked, "Is this really what they will offer him?"
Maliki nodded and explained, "Yes, while they are taking the royalties for the song, the upfront payment is substantial. This deal can also serve as a valuable connection for you, Hamza, if you understand what I'm saying."
Hamza looked confused and inquired, "Yes I understand that part. So, I won't be able to keep the royalties?"
Maliki provided some insight, saying, "For now, as an unknown and unestablished artist and songwriter, you won't have much bargaining power. The industry is competitive, and sometimes you have to make sacrifices to succeed."
Hamza understood the situation and nodded in agreement.
After finalizing the contract discussion and Hamza's decision to sign it, Malik announced, "So my client says he is willing to sign the contract and also has a song that you might like better than this one."
Johnny Drille, excited by the prospect, stood up and said, "That's good news. Let's head to the studio, then." Hamza followed Johnny Drille as they entered the studio.
Johnny Drille asked Hamza, "So, what instrument do you need?"
Hamza, still somewhat in awe of the well-furnished studio, replied, "A guitar will do."
Johnny Drille nodded and instructed Mathew, "Okay, very well. Mathew, please pass me the guitar over there." He pointed to a guitar that was a bit distant from the other instruments.
Mathew was taken aback because the guitar Johnny wanted was his one, which he typically didn't let anyone touch. Despite his surprise, he complied and handed Johnny Drille's guitar to Hamza.
Hamza just sat down with everyone facing him. He looked at his sister, who remained quiet, and then at Adekunle before locking eyes with Johnny Drille. He felt the guitar in his hand, recognizing that it was something special. The instrument had been well-maintained, and its presence in the studio was a testament to the artistry that had unfolded within these walls.
Taking a deep breath, Hamza strummed the guitar, the sound resonating through the studio. His fingers danced on the fretboard as he began to sing the first line of his song, pouring his heart and soul into the music. The studio's acoustics enhanced the melodic beauty of his voice, filling the room with an ethereal aura.
"What have you done to me
I no know oh yeah
What have you done to me
I no know"
Hamza is sitting on a stool, and he strummed the guitar. He begins to sing softly, his voice gentle and emotional.
"Believe me×3
E gats be you
I need you
I need you for my family
Believe me×3
E gats be you
I need you
I need you for my family
It must be you
It must be you o Anwuli
I need you
I need you for my family
It must be you
It must be you o Anwuli
I need you
I need you for my family"
As Hamza sang these lyrics, the emotion in his voice was undeniable. He sang the song with a smile on his face, his eyes closed, and his fingers moving frantically across the strings of his guitar
"Oh baby o
Been in love with you for days
I don dey wait you for so long
Shomo
I'm crazy o
I'm crazy over you
Na wetin man go do to make you know"
As Hamza sang these heartfelt lyrics, his voice swelled with emotion, gradually building until he was belting out the words with all his might. The smile on his face grew wider, and he couldn't resist standing up as if he had fallen in love with the music.
"Wetin you wan believe if you no believe me
I will not deceive do not deceive me
And my love go pass the love you give me
If i fall your hand abeg delete me
Wetin you wan believe if you no believe me
I will not deceive do not deceive me
And my love go pass the love you give me
If i fall your hand abeg delete me yeah"
As Hamza poured his heart into the lyrics, his voice grew increasingly impassioned. Johnny Drille, who was listening, wore a look of sheer astonishment, feeling an intense connection with the song, as if it resonated with a deep part of his soul.
"What have you done to me
I no know oh yeah
What have you done to me
I no know"
Hamza heart brimming with emotion, walked over to his sister as he sang. A radiant smile illuminated his face, and his joy and happiness were palpable. Zara sat there, basking in her brother's song, her own smile mirroring his.
"Believe me×3
E gats be you
I need you
I need you for my family
It must be you
It must be you o Anwuli
I need you
I need you for my family"
As Hamza sang this part, he moved closer to where Adekunle and Hafsat were seated. His eyes locked onto theirs, and he sang with every fiber of his being, pouring his heart and soul into the song, the couple smiled at him back
"My pretty pretty
Sweetie sweetie
Make I give you my name
Oya follow me let's go
Bend down low
Follow me make we go
My pretty pretty
Sweetie sweetie
Make i give you my name
Oya follow me let's go
Bend down low
Follow me make we go"
As the tempo picked up once more, the words took on a playful tone, a stark contrast to the previous emotional verse. The music became light and bouncy, and a sense of joyfulness resonated in every note. Hamza began to move his body left and right, dancing to the rhythm, and his face radiated with happiness.
"Wetin you wan believe if you no believe me
I will not deceive do not deceive me
And my love go pass the love you give me
If i fall your hand abeg delete me
Wetin you wan believe if you no believe me
I will not deceive do not deceive me
And my love go pass the love you give me
If i fall your hand abeg delete me yeah"
As the song reached its climax, Hamza's voice soared with emotion and passion. He sang with all his heart, pouring his soul into the music. A satisfying smile graced his face as he delivered the final, powerful notes.